Mounting Bifold Doors

Bifold doors provide easy access to a room or area without requiring much clearance for opening. They are a convenient addition to closets, as well as a clever way to conceal a utility room or washing machine and clothes dryer.

Overview

Bifold doors provide easy access to a room or area without requiring much clearance for opening. They are a convenient addition to closets, as well as a clever way to conceal a utility room or washing machine and clothes dryer. Most home centers stock kits that include two pairs of prehinged doors, a head track, and all the necessary hardware and fasteners. Typically, the doors in these kits have predrilled holes for the pivot and guide posts. Hardware kits are also sold separately for custom projects. A variety of door styles are available, some featuring louvered panels or glass panes. Most doors are designed to fit a standard 80-inch opening, but if the floor is carpeted or tiled, you may need to trim them. Make minor adjustments using a plane, and larger alterations with a circular saw and straightedge. To operate properly, bifold doors must be hung level and plumb in the opening. Before installation begins, make sure the opening has square corners, a level header, and straight jambs. Allow a minimum clearance gap of 1⁄8" between the doors at the center, hinges, and jambs to prevent binding. Installing bifold doors is an easy task, though just as there are many door styles, there are also many types of mounting hardware. Make sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the product you use. Most models operate by means of a two-post system: pivot posts on each jamb-side door and a top guide post on each lead door. The top posts fit in the track at the header, while the pivot post fits into an anchor bracket at the foot of each jamb, providing a pivot point. After the doors are installed, the top and bottom pivots can be adjusted to align the doors. Adjustments to door height typically require turning the bottom pivot clockwise to lower the door and counterclockwise to raise it. To align the doors vertically, loosen the screw in the top guide post and slide it left or right. Some jamb brackets also allow the bottom pivot post to be repositioned along the length of the bracket for additional vertical adjustment.FROM: Complete Guide to Carpentry for Homeowners, 978-1-58923-331-7

Step 1

How to Mount Bifold Doors - Step 1

Cut the head track to the width of the opening, using a hacksaw. Insert the roller mounts into the track, then position the track in the opening. Fasten it to the header, using panhead screws.

Step 2

How to Mount Bifold Doors - Step 2

Measure and mark each side jamb at the floor for the anchor bracket, so the center of the bracket aligns exactly with the center of the head track. Fasten the brackets in place with flathead screws.

Step 3

How to Mount Bifold Doors - Step 3

Check the height of the doors in the opening, and trim if necessary. Insert a pivot post into predrilled holes at the top and bottom of the two jamb-side doors, at the jamb side of each door. Make sure the pivot posts fit snugly.

Step 4

How to Mount Bifold Doors - Step 4

Insert a guide post into the predrilled holes at the top of both lead doors. Make sure the guide posts fit snugly.

Step 5

How to Mount Bifold Doors - Step 5

Fold one pair of doors closed and lift into position, inserting the pivot and guide posts into the head track. Slip the bottom pivot post into the anchor bracket. Repeat for the other pair of doors.

Step 6

How to Mount Bifold Doors - Step 6

Close the doors and check for equal spacing along the side jambs and down the center. To align the doors, adjust the top and bottom pivots following the manufacturer’s directions.